Transcript Highlights:

• this bill does, a lot of stakeholder input on this, basically aligns speed standards with existing technology

Committee: House Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development met in executive session with a quorum present and took up three bills. House Bill 3262 was moved do pass and approved by a roll call vote of 15 ayes and 0 noes. House Bill 3157 was then considered with a House Committee substitute; the sponsor explained changes intended to clarify mobile food vendor licensing and inspections, including tying the definition of food to existing law, standardizing terminology, requiring one license per vehicle, extending the licensing timeline to 30 days, and preserving local/county inspection roles through collaborative agreements and state reimbursement. Members asked about inspection standards, local control, and concerns raised by counties and Kansas City, and the substitute was adopted before the bill was approved 15 ayes, 0 noes, with 2 present. The committee next took up House Bill 2886 with a House Committee substitute. The sponsor said the substitute aligned broadband speed standards with current technology, adjusted eligibility language for middle-mile and related federal programs, clarified treatment of second-place finishers in auctions, and removed a restriction on other forms of service. After brief questions and comments about stakeholder input, the substitute was adopted and the bill was voted do pass by 17 ayes and 0 noes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, as you acknowledge, there are some advancements in technology that have proven current classes

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also allows the Transportation Department to accept electronic ownership documents or digital technology

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 742, sponsored by Representative Mitchell. The bill was described as a modernization of Idaho’s vehicle titling system, expanding secure electronic records, allowing the Transportation Department to accept electronic ownership documents and digital titles from other states, and shortening the timeline for lien releases to 10 days after verified funds are received. The sponsor said he had worked with auto dealers and banks and had not heard opposition. The committee moved HB 742 to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. The committee then agreed by unanimous consent to hold House Bill 508 at the call of the chair while some issues are worked out. After that, it heard House Bill 507, presented by Representative Brown on behalf of Representative Ted Hill. The bill updates the Idaho Code of Military Justice, with testimony from Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Chappell of the Idaho Military Division explaining that many changes are administrative, but the main policy changes would improve commanders’ ability to impose non-judicial punishment, including reduction in rank, and would limit the absolute right of service members to refuse NJP and demand court-martial for minor offenses. She said the changes would better align Idaho’s system with active-duty practice and other states, while preserving appellate review and due process for more serious punishment. Members asked several questions about how the current system works and how the bill would change the chain of command for discipline and appeals. No negative testimony was offered. The committee then moved HB 507 to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also allows the Transportation Department to accept electronic ownership documents or digital technology

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These types of policies help ensure that the most efficient and effective technologies are implemented

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• especially two that are in Inola County: my dear wife, Renee, who's a counselor at Inola County Technology

Bills: HB3725 , HB3260 , HB3660 , HB3369 , HB3370 , HB2937 , HB3419 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3267 , HB3268 , HB3310 , HB4311 , HB3841 , HB3024 , HB3075

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Transcript Highlights:

• Flora's bill deals with entry, and technology is being used at a greater clip when it comes to these

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee met with a quorum present and first took up routine business. Members adopted the committee rules and approved three measures on the consent calendar: AB 77 (Aguiar-Curry), AB 233 (Gibson), and AB 720 (Rogers). The committee then heard AB 344 by Assemblymember Valencia, which would update and clarify the definition of “successor beer manufacturer” in California alcohol law to address a recent court ruling that supporters said created a loophole affecting wholesalers’ fair market compensation when breweries are sold. The California Family Beer Distributors supported the bill, while the California Craft Brewers Association said it was neutral based on ongoing negotiations and sponsor commitments. AB 344 passed the committee on a due pass to Appropriations vote, with the roll left open for additional members. The committee also heard AB 509 by Assemblymember Flora, which concerned alcohol service training and verification procedures. The California Restaurant Association supported the bill, saying it would recognize good-faith use of technology in entry and verification processes and help restaurants meet their obligations. There was no opposition testimony. The author accepted committee amendments, and the bill was moved on a due pass as amended to Appropriations. Additional members later added votes to the consent items, committee rules, AB 344, and AB 509 before the committee adjourned at 2:07 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:17:44.439><c> Health</c><02:17:44.760><c> Care</c> sectors in technology Health Care sectors
• in technology Health Care education<02:17:46.359><c> um</c><02:17:47.040><c> the</c><02:17:47.200><c>
• It is one of the more technologically advanced facilities we have in New Hampshire, and they do make
• </c><03:01:32.520><c> advanced</c> one of the more technologically advanced one of the more technologically
• </c> to the impact of technology to the impact of technology and<03:02:18.640><c> artificial</c><03:02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
• Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
• Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
• Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 236 by Representative Garrett regarding the Education Trust Fund and Advancement and Technology
• and regarding the Education Trust Fund and Advancement<00:46:37.040><c> and</c><00:46:37.280><c> Technology
• </c><00:46:38.880><c> On</c><00:46:39.040><c> page</c> Advancement and Technology Fund.
• On page Advancement and Technology Fund.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages referring House Bill 614 on supplemental appropriations and House Bill 224 on the distribution and use of tax funds to the Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Committee reports followed on several bills, including favorable reports for House Bills 169, 542, 593, and 13, with HB 542 amended in committee. The Senate also referred Senator Orr’s proposed rules change to the Rules Committee. A series of resolutions were taken up and adopted, including Senate Resolution 109 creating the Alabama Boating Safety Task Force, Senate Joint Resolutions 102 and 103, House Joint Resolutions 237, 215, 216, 218, and 235, Senate Joint Resolution 88 supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear life cycle innovation effort, Senate Joint Resolution 93 creating a rural EMS and volunteer fire department study commission, Senate Joint Resolution 94 commending Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Officer of the Year honorees, and Senate Joint Resolution 110 commending William Riley Hawkins Jr. on his retirement from AARP Alabama. The Senate also recognized several guests in the gallery, including local school superintendents and a student visitor. The chamber then moved through local legislation, adopting BRs and passing numerous local bills and constitutional amendments, including measures for Mobile, Prichard, Class 2 municipalities, Mingo County, Talladega County, Perry County, Wilcox County, Clay County, Washington County, and Madison County. Senate Bill 376 on Mobile County and Senate Bill 379 on Madison County were both passed and transmitted. Most local bills passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes using the previous roll. The Senate also adopted Special Order Calendar Resolution 111, setting a special order calendar for the 27th legislative day that prioritized a long list of appropriations, education, retirement, dam safety, and higher education bills. On that calendar, House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, and Senate Bill 380 were taken up. HB 235’s committee substitute was tabled, a floor substitute was adopted restoring funding to the McQuain Center and removing some arts grants, and the bill passed. HB 236 passed after a language amendment. HB 237 passed as the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund bill. HB 238 passed after a floor substitute that shifted arts grants, added Voices for Alabama’s Children, adjusted RAISE Act weights, and increased funding for poverty, special education, and gifted students, along with a small amendment. HB 239 passed as the public education employee pay raise bill, with a substitute adding a retiree bonus and members discussing that the bonus would also be carried through SB 380. HB 240, HB 241, HB 242, and HB 565 all passed. SB 380 on the teachers retirement system received committee amendments and was being advanced as the vehicle for the retiree bonus, with Senator Orr explaining the bonus would be about $33 million and based on $1 per month of service for eligible retirees with at least 10 years of service.

Transcript Highlights:

• aisle included, recognize this is really a challenging topic, and every time we do something new technologically
• , we... ...topic, and every time we do something new technologically, we increase the likelihood or we
• going to be a big part of it because we have a real challenge with climate change, which is another technology
• So even... ...before recycling technology determines whether it generates hazardous waste that's managed

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation heard an informational hearing with Secretary Garcia and CalEPA-related departments on the administration’s budget proposals and related environmental programs. Secretary Garcia highlighted CalEPA’s work on methane reduction, community air protection, water infrastructure, Exide cleanup, safer pesticide alternatives, Prop 4 implementation, and Bay-Delta water quality, while emphasizing the impact of federal rollbacks and the need for flexible state response. Members raised broader policy concerns about the polluter-pays principle, special fund vacancies, and whether the state is maintaining sufficient staffing and enforcement capacity, especially after recent fee increases. A major portion of the hearing focused on landfill support, response, and enforcement, particularly subsurface elevated temperature events at Chiquita Canyon and El Sobrante. CalEPA requested $5.1 million and 12 positions to improve monitoring, technical response, coordination, and enforcement across CalRecycle, CARB, DTSC, the Water Board, and OEHHA. Assembly Member Schiavo described severe community impacts from Chiquita Canyon and pressed for stronger state action, more transparency, and accountability from landfill operators; Assembly Member Rogers emphasized that accountability must mean forcing operators to take preventive measures and bear the costs. Agency staff said the proposal would help augment current response efforts, support local enforcement agencies, and improve early detection, while acknowledging that the causes of set events are not fully understood and may involve factors such as lithium-ion batteries, oxygen intrusion, and gas extraction practices. The committee then heard an update on the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water program and the effects of the new cap-and-invest structure. State Water Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel reported that the program has reduced the number of Californians without safe drinking water from 1.6 million to about 600,000 since 2019, while also bringing 320 systems back into compliance and distributing $1.8 billion in drinking water grants. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that under SB 840, SAFER is now in a lower funding tier, which could reduce annual proceeds from the prior $130 million level to a projected $92 million in 2026-27 and delay funding until later in the year. Members expressed concern that this deprioritizes rural drinking water needs, while the board said it would continue using SAFER’s flexible funds for emergency water, technical assistance, and construction, and would keep pushing consolidations and other long-term solutions for the remaining failing systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• the things we keep hearing from you folks, from our stakeholders, is we're behind the curve in technology
• statutes governing the practice or regulating the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology
• the language that was used to have the board approve someone that was a graduate of a veterinary technology
• And again, the requirement is still that they have to be a graduate of a veterinary technology program

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it goes into this idea of grooming, where we have very open discussions on all things technology.
• Second is case intake technology and backlog reduction.
• We're also modernizing technology tools.
• We're also modernizing technology tools so that supervisors and leadership have clear visibility into

Summary: The committee held its inaugural meeting and heard opening remarks from the chair and vice chair about the committee’s purpose: studying issues affecting women and children in Louisiana, including health, education, economic opportunity, safety, and criminal justice. After roll call, the committee proceeded with informational presentations rather than taking any formal votes. Members emphasized the committee’s role in gathering testimony and identifying policy solutions. The first major presentation came from the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. The director reviewed 2025 data showing 2,963 identified victims, 15,437 service instances, and trafficking reports in 62 of 64 parishes. She explained Louisiana’s coordinated response system, including screening tools, child advocacy center referrals, and the DCFS hotline option for trafficking reports. She also described familial trafficking, new victim outreach and identification tools, and two priority bills: HB 321, which would create immunity from prostitution offenses for child victims under Safe Harbor principles, and SB 83, which would require school board trafficking policies and expand victim advocacy services to labor trafficking victims and survivors up to age 21. Committee members asked about reporting procedures, school use of the tools, service gaps, and whether the data showed increases due to better identification. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office on online child exploitation and child sexual abuse material. The presenter said the Louisiana ICAC Task Force received 31,203 tips in 2025, made 545 arrests, identified or rescued more than 80 child victims, and executed over 1,500 search warrants. He described rapid tip-to-arrest responses in recent cases, the expansion of partner agencies statewide, and the creation of an Orleans Metro ICAC task force. Members asked about community presentations, the role of social media in exploitation, the use of geolocation, the prosecution of out-of-state offenders, and the need for more analysts and outreach staff. The discussion also covered sadistic online enticement, sextortion, live-streamed abuse, and the need for parents and schools to monitor children’s online activity. At the end of the meeting, the committee began receiving a legislative auditor’s presentation on the treatment and care of incarcerated women, focusing on jail policies, health care, restraint use, and reentry, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation is completed. No committee votes or formal actions were recorded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Accessibility Office, Government Relations, Communications, Public Relations units, the MDVA Chief Business Technology
• units, the Minute at MDVA<00:32:08.840><c> Chief</c><00:32:09.160><c> Business</c><00:32:09.440><c> Technology
• </c><00:32:10.040><c> Officer</c> MDVA Chief Business Technology Officer MDVA Chief Business Technology

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee. Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:31:32.799><c> things</c> I rode with a trucking association, and it's really amazing the technology
• 08.559><c> the</c> association and it's really amazing the association and it's really amazing the technology
• 09.600><c> required</c><00:32:09.919><c> to</c><00:32:10.080><c> have</c><00:32:10.399><c> the</c> technology
• they're required to have the technology they're required to have the mirrors<00:32:11.200><c> they're

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program manager who is very familiar with the kinds of software out there and how we can use that technology
• c><00:37:40.240><c> can</c><00:37:40.480><c> use</c><00:37:40.880><c> that</c><00:37:41.280><c> technology
• </c> how we can use that technology how we can use that technology to<00:37:43.680><c> uh</c><00:37:44.320

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection. HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection. HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislators are going to have to find that right balance and come to a better understanding of what this technology
• :59:10.640><c> this</c> a better understanding of what this a better understanding of what this technology
• 12.000><c> for</c><00:59:12.640><c> the</c><00:59:12.960><c> people</c><00:59:13.119><c> of</c> technology
• means for the people of technology means for the people of Wyoming<00:59:13.760><c> and</c><00:59:14.000

Bills: HB0108 , HB0039 , HB0091 , HB0070

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: audit, transparency, government reporting, accountability, public access, firearm rights, restoration of rights, criminal justice, felony convictions, Wyoming law, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I have an announcement about the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee.
• business, an announcement about the business, labor,<01:41:30.719><c> and</c><01:41:30.880><c> technology
• </c><01:41:31.920><c> Today,</c> labor, and technology committee.
• Today, labor, and technology committee.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also strongly believe that technologies like AI, data exchange, and telehealth can help us do all the
• Technology should be central to any strategy going forward.
• I mean, if you think about the economy of this state being based on technology, and the notion...
• Think about the economy of this state being based on technology and the notion that we don't have ready

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for instance, we have automotive technology, welding, collision repair, carpentry, HVAC, electrical
• So for instance, we have automotive technology, welding, collision repair, carpentry, HVAC, electrical
• So looking at their self-efficacy and confidence in the areas of employment, technology, financial readiness
• I graduated from office systems technology, and I also graduated from welding.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee held an oversight discussion on Louisiana’s reentry landscape, with Chair Villio emphasizing that the hearing was informational only and that no bills were being considered. Department of Public Safety and Corrections officials outlined the state’s reentry mission and current programming in state facilities, local jails, regional reentry centers, and STEP facilities. They described services including literacy and GED preparation, career and technical education, industry certifications, postsecondary partnerships, mental health and substance abuse treatment, victim impact and trauma programming, and pre-release assistance such as state IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, Medicaid, SNAP, and driver’s licenses. Officials also discussed a new data-sharing MOU with DCFS for child support matters and a planned “return portal” with Louisiana Works to connect incarcerated people to jobs and training aligned with labor market needs. A major focus was the reentry court program at Angola for men and at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. Assistant Secretary DeLouche and Assistant Warden Easley explained that the program is limited to nine judicial districts, requires judge and district attorney consent, and includes a two-year institutional phase followed by three years of intensive supervised probation. Participants must earn a HiSET if needed, complete multiple certifications and life-skills programs, and then petition for resentencing; officials said the program’s current recidivism rate is under 14 percent. They also highlighted specialized offerings such as vocational mentoring, a Braille transcription and repair program, and family-focused events like a father-daughter dance. Testimony from employers and local officials was broadly supportive. Eric Lane described hiring formerly incarcerated workers through the parole project and said the program solved problems he had seen with halfway-house placements by helping people secure housing, IDs, and licenses before release. Sheriff Kevin Cobb said sheriffs are active partners, with 51 of 64 parishes offering some form of programming and more than 75 percent of local facilities providing services; he stressed that local jail programming has grown over time and that data collection is improving. Members repeatedly asked for more data on recidivism, employment outcomes, and what programs are available by parish, and several praised the department and sheriffs for the work already being done. No votes were taken.